The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy has officially launched with a clear mission: to provide a seamless transition for service leavers entering the civilian workforce. This innovative project represents a significant collaboration between military charity Building Heroes and the county council's lead contractor, M Group, aiming to bolster the region's infrastructure while addressing critical labour shortages.
A Strategic Partnership for Skills Development
Sponsored by M Group and delivered by the award-winning military charity Building Heroes, this academy focuses specifically on the essential skills required to maintain local road networks. The initiative comes at a crucial time when the construction sector faces significant workforce challenges, particularly in specialised areas like highways maintenance.
Comprehensive Training Programme
Participants in the intensive four-week programme receive expert-led instruction from C&G Services, ensuring the next generation of highway workers is trained to the highest possible standards. Veterans joining the programme work toward industry-recognised credentials essential for site-based employment, including:
- The New Roads and Street Works Act certification
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme accreditation
- Emergency first aid training
Direct Employment Pathways
Each group of eight learners benefits from a direct employment pathway through guaranteed interviews with M Group Highways. As an Armed Forces Covenant Gold employer, M Group is investing heavily in the academy to ensure social value is delivered directly to the Oxfordshire community. This partnership ensures that learners are not only qualified but are also ready to contribute to a resilient and skilled local workforce.
Supporting Military Transition
Building Heroes Education Foundation, an award-winning tri-service charity, remains dedicated to helping the armed forces community find purposeful second careers. This academy serves as a vital bridge between military discipline and the technical demands of the built environment, supporting what the organisation describes as its central charitable purpose.
Leadership Perspectives
Richard Lovewell, M Group Highways' business director, expressed pride in sponsoring the initiative, stating: "We recognise the enormous potential of armed forces leavers and want to support them as they build meaningful civilian careers. Through this ongoing partnership and investment, we hope participants see the value and opportunities that M Group can offer as we develop the vital skills required to maintain our highways."
Chris Charles, Building Heroes Education Foundation chief executive, added: "We are pleased to be opening the Building Heroes Training Academy in partnership with M Group and C&G Services. This Academy will equip learners with recognised skills and qualifications while supporting Oxfordshire County Council and our partners in developing a skilled and resilient highways workforce that benefits the wider community."
Council Support and Community Impact
Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council and its overall military champion, emphasised the council's commitment: "We are delighted to be involved in this excellent initiative. This new academy is about creating opportunities for people who've served our country while developing the skilled workforce Oxfordshire needs."
The partnership represents a comprehensive approach to veteran support, combining skills training, industry certification, and direct employment opportunities. By focusing on both individual career development and broader community needs, the initiative aims to create sustainable benefits for Oxfordshire's infrastructure and economy while honouring the service of military personnel transitioning to civilian life.
